Where do you turn when you can no longer care for your pet?
Sometimes life’s unfortunate or unexpected circumstances mean that your home may not be the best place for your dog anymore. It’s not an easy decision and no doubt, you’ve probably spent a lot of timing stressing about it. Are you aging and can no longer give your pet the time and care it needs? Are you moving and your new home doesn’t accept pets? Have financial burdens made it difficult for you to afford the proper care for your pet?
Whatever the reason, it’s important to continue to care for your pet as you see them through the rehoming process. Finding the safest and best place for your dog is not easy, but there are a lot of options out there. It only takes a little time and effort to make sure the future for your pet is a bright and happy one and the transition is a positive experience for everyone.
So, what are your options?
Checking with friends and family first to see if they or someone they know might be interested in adopting your pet, could be the best answer, but not always. Just because it’s someone you might know, or a friend of a friend, you still need to make sure they know what they’re getting into, that they understand the commitment of taking on a pet and it’s not just an impulse decision.
Consulting with your vet is also an option. They’re already familiar with your dog’s health and behavior and chances are, they’re associated with reputable fosters, sanctuaries or rescue groups and will help you decide on the best place for your pet.
If finances are your concern, there are organizations out there that make it their mission to do whatever they can to help you keep your pet, so it doesn’t get to the point of surrender.
This is an excellent article with options for Vet Bills or Pet Food, as well as state by state resources: Neet Help with Vet Bills or Pet Food?
Even sites like petfinder.com may be able to help. Petfinder is normally used by people who are looking to adopt a pet, but you can also search for rescues that could help you find a new home for your pet. The good thing about Petfinder is, you can search for rescues by zip code and find one close to you.
We’ve done a lot of research and put together some helpful information on our website outlining resources and options that could assist you through this process.
Check out our “Giving Up Your Pet Resources” page here: Giving Up Pet Resources
Before you take your dog to a local shelter, consider some of these options we’ve provided. Knowing your pet will be going to a good home will alleviate a lot of stress for you and for your pet. Good luck finding the best possible new home for your pet.
